Indonesian players eager to play against Vietnam

Indonesian players eagerly await the match against Vietnam at home at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21, in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - Asia region.

Indonesia is currently at the bottom of Group F with one point, two points behind second-placed Vietnam. Indonesia's goal is to win all, or win one and draw one of their next two matches against Vietnam to gain an advantage in the race for a ticket to the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Confidence was further boosted when Indonesia defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the most recent confrontation, in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup. It was their first victory over Vietnam since the first leg of the 2016 AFF Cup semi-finals. In addition, Indonesia also has naturalized players playing in Europe.

Egy Maulana Vikri (white shirt) in Indonesia's 1-0 win over Vietnam in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa

"I am sure that all the players are aiming for victory," striker Egy Maulana Vikri told the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) website. "I hope the whole team will perform to their best to defeat Vietnam."

Meanwhile, Justin Hubner is eager to play at Indonesia's Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium, which has a capacity of nearly 80,000 spectators. The 2003-born midfielder is even more excited when he hears about the crazy atmosphere when Indonesia hosts Argentina in mid-2023.

"I think the atmosphere in the match against Vietnam will be even better," Hubner said. "I cannot disappoint the fans, I guarantee that I will do everything and fight for them."

Bung Karno Stadium is considered the most passionate "fire pan" in the world, a fulcrum to increase the strength of the Indonesian team when meeting Vietnam. In the last meeting here, the two teams drew 0-0 in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2022 semi-finals.

Justin Hubner (in white shirt) tackles Nguyen Van Toan in Indonesia's 1-0 win over Vietnam in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa

Centre-back Justin Hubner has just moved from Premier League club Wolves to J-League 1 club Cerezo Osaka. He is one of 10 naturalised players selected by coach Shin Tae-yong in the 28-man squad for the match, including Hubner, Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, Marc Klok, Ivar Jenner and Rafael Struick who have appeared at the 2023 Asian Cup. The four new names are Jay Idzes, Nathan Tjoe Aon, Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmagoen.

Defender Nathan Tjoe Aon is eager to get on the pitch after experiencing the passion of Indonesian fans firsthand. He also believes that Indonesia has a lot of potential to develop and will be different in the next two to five years. "Indonesian football is developing rapidly," said the SC Heerenveen defender. "I hope to continue to improve in the future so that I can contribute to that development."

Nathan Tjoe Aon during his Indonesian citizenship oath-taking ceremony on March 12. Photo: Instagram/Timnas Indonesia — Nathan Tjoe Aon during his Indonesian citizenship oath-taking ceremony on March 12. Photo: *Instagram/Timnas Indonesia*

Indonesia will gather tomorrow, March 18, in the capital Jakarta and have three days to prepare for the match against Vietnam.

Coach Shin Tae-yong will be without the services of defender and captain Asnawi Mangkualam due to suspension, midfielder Marc Klok due to injury. In addition, two naturalized players Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmagoen cannot register to play because they have not completed the naturalization procedures.

Hieu Luong

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